After a 5 month haitus from the blogo- sphere,
Im back!
While I was away, stuff happened, im saving it up for a book.Now that maisha is back on track, Ill be posting weekly from now hence forth so, usisonge...
Oh, a toast to the new Kenya!
Baraka.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Rubies
I love poetry.
I had once read a poem on rubies while I was at my Alma Mater.
It said that one way of checking whether a ruby was real, was to heat it to a certain temperature then gently tap it.
If it cracked, it was.('was' coz now it is not one big gem but many less valuable crystals)
The poet applied this to relationships and the poem was just wadafuul.
I never really paid attention to the moral of the poem until today.Today,I sigh over the handful of broken 'crystals' I have.It was today while writing on one my childhood friend's fb wall that I saw the picture of my ex.
Five years ago, I walked away from her, not just literally, but in every sense of the word:I deleted her number, forgot her birthday and ignored her and her family for more than a year.
Before this all I could do was eat-sleep-dream her : from the fourth year of high school to a year after that.I was strung.Every day, I was at her house,not because I wanted to, because I needed to.
But when I left I felt nothing for her.I said, "she would get over it, maybe she doesn't feel as strongly as I do,we are young and don't know what we are doing and I need to regain control of all my faculties," so I left.And haven't looked back ever since.All she had been to me was good, before and after the one year of isolation.I gave her no warning, and no apology after that.I was sure it was the right thing.
Until today.
Today I saw what I left:and I moaned aloud!
And although she has been in another relationship for hardly an year, (which began a week after I changed my fb status to 'in a relationship'-I was just bluffing to get rid of another stalker) she is soooo happy!She is all smiles and lovey-dovey with another guy.
She overcame the rejection, forgot me and moved on.
Wow.
Although I didn't mean to hurt her, I did.A relationship that had began in elementary school as academic rivalry, became friendship in high school and which became exclusive as high school ended just bled to death on my account.
I never thought this day would come but today,while in her father's country of origin, I mourn for the ruby I shattered.
And this is just one.
May God have mercy.
I had once read a poem on rubies while I was at my Alma Mater.
It said that one way of checking whether a ruby was real, was to heat it to a certain temperature then gently tap it.
If it cracked, it was.('was' coz now it is not one big gem but many less valuable crystals)
The poet applied this to relationships and the poem was just wadafuul.
I never really paid attention to the moral of the poem until today.Today,I sigh over the handful of broken 'crystals' I have.It was today while writing on one my childhood friend's fb wall that I saw the picture of my ex.
Five years ago, I walked away from her, not just literally, but in every sense of the word:I deleted her number, forgot her birthday and ignored her and her family for more than a year.
Before this all I could do was eat-sleep-dream her : from the fourth year of high school to a year after that.I was strung.Every day, I was at her house,not because I wanted to, because I needed to.
But when I left I felt nothing for her.I said, "she would get over it, maybe she doesn't feel as strongly as I do,we are young and don't know what we are doing and I need to regain control of all my faculties," so I left.And haven't looked back ever since.All she had been to me was good, before and after the one year of isolation.I gave her no warning, and no apology after that.I was sure it was the right thing.
Until today.
Today I saw what I left:and I moaned aloud!
And although she has been in another relationship for hardly an year, (which began a week after I changed my fb status to 'in a relationship'-I was just bluffing to get rid of another stalker) she is soooo happy!She is all smiles and lovey-dovey with another guy.
She overcame the rejection, forgot me and moved on.
Wow.
Although I didn't mean to hurt her, I did.A relationship that had began in elementary school as academic rivalry, became friendship in high school and which became exclusive as high school ended just bled to death on my account.
I never thought this day would come but today,while in her father's country of origin, I mourn for the ruby I shattered.
And this is just one.
May God have mercy.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tamthilia Ya Kibanda
I have the bestest friends in the world.They understand me completely and my love for culinary delights.
Recently, one of them sent me an email that just made my day!Knowing my love for food (not liking but love) and recognising that my Sheng is lacking, lol,(Late last year, I had to ask my bro what 'rwabe' meant...), she sent me a 'Fools guide to ordering in a Kibanda'.
Enjoy:
"So you all have have been to the mighty kibanda for a selection of mouth watering dishes, but most of you guyz barely understand the logistics of operations there, leave alone the street language.
So here's a compilation of some of the delicacies available on demand, in the kibanda language. In case of any omissions, kindly amend and circulate for knowledge sake:
Chapati dunga - this is where a chapati is rolled and pierced with a fork.
Chapati dondosa - this is where a chapati is served whole and served while floating on thick soup.
Chapati msalaba - this is where a chapati is sliced into four equal quarters. The cuttings resemble a cross
Chapati kifagio - this is where a chapati is sliced into thin many vertical strips
Chapati chafua - this is where a chapati is sliced into many pieces as possible. Usually they are sliced into squares that are approximately 3.5centimeteres squared (do the math)
Chapati mbao/ chapati mawe - this is a dry chapati, those that break easily like a piece of wood
Ugali saucer/ wembe/discount - that one I know you know
Ugali mlima - this is an enormous chunk of ugali served only to 'professionals' and is usually served with a warning. "ukikosa kuimaliza, utaongeza kumi".
Tumbukiza - this is where meat is overboiled until the meat is very soft. Usually served without salt. Tumbukiza special has no bones
Kahawa kifo - so you have done kahawa chungu! This is worse. It usually contains lots of "kahawa no 1" and is overboiled till its black. its then served without sugar. Its literaly burnt coffee
Kaa ndani - this is where a mandazi is made an incision at the side and a delicacy inserted inside of it. So kaa ndani ya sausage is a mandazi with a sausage in it.
Jembe ya meno - toothpick
Samaki cassette - this is fish which has bones in it. Its served whole whereby a person starts eating it on one side( side A ). Once done, its then turned to the other side (side B). A successful completed eating mission is certified once the only thing left on the plate are intact bones of the fish and the head.
Karare - chapati nusu
Combat - githeriMix/ missile / kadhalika - this is mchanganyiko of everything on the soup menu. Involves madondo, sukuma, nyama, ndengu etc. Na inasemwa na style, so don’t go ati nipatie missile 20! It goes like "haya, hebu nibonde na chapo mix ya kaufourty, na ikuje chapchap kabla niachwe na ndege.
Teargas - pilipili
Matusi ya waiter: Weh! Mbona unaniwekea nyama kidogo hivi, kwani ni wewe ulichinjwa?
Long Live the Kibanda!"
__________________________________________________________________
(To the lady who sent me this, you are a legend...you rock!)
Recently, one of them sent me an email that just made my day!Knowing my love for food (not liking but love) and recognising that my Sheng is lacking, lol,(Late last year, I had to ask my bro what 'rwabe' meant...), she sent me a 'Fools guide to ordering in a Kibanda'.
Enjoy:
"So you all have have been to the mighty kibanda for a selection of mouth watering dishes, but most of you guyz barely understand the logistics of operations there, leave alone the street language.
So here's a compilation of some of the delicacies available on demand, in the kibanda language. In case of any omissions, kindly amend and circulate for knowledge sake:
Chapati dunga - this is where a chapati is rolled and pierced with a fork.
Chapati dondosa - this is where a chapati is served whole and served while floating on thick soup.
Chapati msalaba - this is where a chapati is sliced into four equal quarters. The cuttings resemble a cross
Chapati kifagio - this is where a chapati is sliced into thin many vertical strips
Chapati chafua - this is where a chapati is sliced into many pieces as possible. Usually they are sliced into squares that are approximately 3.5centimeteres squared (do the math)
Chapati mbao/ chapati mawe - this is a dry chapati, those that break easily like a piece of wood
Ugali saucer/ wembe/discount - that one I know you know
Ugali mlima - this is an enormous chunk of ugali served only to 'professionals' and is usually served with a warning. "ukikosa kuimaliza, utaongeza kumi".
Tumbukiza - this is where meat is overboiled until the meat is very soft. Usually served without salt. Tumbukiza special has no bones
Kahawa kifo - so you have done kahawa chungu! This is worse. It usually contains lots of "kahawa no 1" and is overboiled till its black. its then served without sugar. Its literaly burnt coffee
Kaa ndani - this is where a mandazi is made an incision at the side and a delicacy inserted inside of it. So kaa ndani ya sausage is a mandazi with a sausage in it.
Jembe ya meno - toothpick
Samaki cassette - this is fish which has bones in it. Its served whole whereby a person starts eating it on one side( side A ). Once done, its then turned to the other side (side B). A successful completed eating mission is certified once the only thing left on the plate are intact bones of the fish and the head.
Karare - chapati nusu
Combat - githeriMix/ missile / kadhalika - this is mchanganyiko of everything on the soup menu. Involves madondo, sukuma, nyama, ndengu etc. Na inasemwa na style, so don’t go ati nipatie missile 20! It goes like "haya, hebu nibonde na chapo mix ya kaufourty, na ikuje chapchap kabla niachwe na ndege.
Teargas - pilipili
Matusi ya waiter: Weh! Mbona unaniwekea nyama kidogo hivi, kwani ni wewe ulichinjwa?
Long Live the Kibanda!"
__________________________________________________________________
(To the lady who sent me this, you are a legend...you rock!)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Cut to Heal
For those who think that friendships are just for the good times, think again.Friends arent supposed to accomodate your foolishness,no.Your bond mandates them to call out your dumb stuff and call you back to order.
I love you too much to let you destroy yourself just because I want to keep you happy...like a surgeon, i have to cut to heal.
I love you too much to let you destroy yourself just because I want to keep you happy...like a surgeon, i have to cut to heal.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
You, Me and Esther Arunga
One of my Aunties once told me that I do not need to have an opinion on everything. That was before the advent the information-technology age.I will breach that code for Esther Arunga.For all the guys in Nairobi who watch KTN Prime News just because of this phenomenal woman...I feel you.News will never be the same. The loss is great, I tell you. (Moving on, does Peninah Karibe have a facebook group?)
However,
I will not join you in analysing her personal life. We have no right to do that.I believe that media freedom is not superlative to the right to personal privacy.She has the right to make her own decisions, and live life as she pleases.
On the other hand,
In the case of the 'Church', the Scripture is clear: in Paul's second Epistle to Timothy, speaking on matters of doctrine, the Apostle says:
Some things are just without exception.If the 'church's ' doctrine conforms to this Scripture, and indeed, all Scripture, we'll and good; if not, trust me, time will tell... and before it does, keep away!
You, me and Esther Arunga
We are all the same, seeking to have a meaningful existence: one that will benefit all and secure our eternity. Yet we all live in a crazy world.Now, before you or I seek to take the speck out of her eye, let us venture to remove the block of wood in our own.
Most of us live a private existence, away from the harsh glare of the media, unlike Esther. If the things we do in secret were to be aired...you get my point. And do you know what? even before God, everyone shall have to give an account of himself/ herself alone. You won't be required to give an account of her life.Then,why are we devaluing her to the extent of small talk over lunch?
So let her alone.
Its time to get our own act together, individually. There is no such thing as you, me and Esther Arunga. We all stand to account for our own selves, and none of us will stand as judge of the other.You will be held accountable for your own actions, good or bad. Individually.
If at all you want to be involved in her private affairs, wait for her to ask for your help. If she doesn't , and you still deem it necessary, request her.If she refuses your help, let it go.You've done your best. You can only but pray.
In short,we should do away with this gossipy, backbiting and back-stabing culture, a culture that uses the media to tear each other down.
All the best in life, Esther.
However,
I will not join you in analysing her personal life. We have no right to do that.I believe that media freedom is not superlative to the right to personal privacy.She has the right to make her own decisions, and live life as she pleases.
On the other hand,
In the case of the 'Church', the Scripture is clear: in Paul's second Epistle to Timothy, speaking on matters of doctrine, the Apostle says:
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." (2 Tim 2 :18, NIV)
Some things are just without exception.If the 'church's ' doctrine conforms to this Scripture, and indeed, all Scripture, we'll and good; if not, trust me, time will tell... and before it does, keep away!
You, me and Esther Arunga
We are all the same, seeking to have a meaningful existence: one that will benefit all and secure our eternity. Yet we all live in a crazy world.Now, before you or I seek to take the speck out of her eye, let us venture to remove the block of wood in our own.
Most of us live a private existence, away from the harsh glare of the media, unlike Esther. If the things we do in secret were to be aired...you get my point. And do you know what? even before God, everyone shall have to give an account of himself/ herself alone. You won't be required to give an account of her life.Then,why are we devaluing her to the extent of small talk over lunch?
So let her alone.
Its time to get our own act together, individually. There is no such thing as you, me and Esther Arunga. We all stand to account for our own selves, and none of us will stand as judge of the other.You will be held accountable for your own actions, good or bad. Individually.
If at all you want to be involved in her private affairs, wait for her to ask for your help. If she doesn't , and you still deem it necessary, request her.If she refuses your help, let it go.You've done your best. You can only but pray.
In short,we should do away with this gossipy, backbiting and back-stabing culture, a culture that uses the media to tear each other down.
All the best in life, Esther.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Chemistry
"Im a movement by myself,
But im a force when were together.
Mami i'm good all by myself,
But you, you make me better." (Neyo)
Neyo just does it for me. In the past, he released songs which were insync with my life's rhythm: when he sang, "im so sick of love songs..." thats exactly what I was feeling at that time. Then he did "I hate how much I love you" with Rhianna, well, lets just say that I was trying to deal with something quite the same... His Album 'Year of the Gentleman' just made him immortal. (Officially, im too conservative a Christian to even be found listening to him, but truth be told, I like him.I like him a lot.)
The quote above just sums up my perspective on dating, courtship and marriage . Sprinkle this with "Miss Independent' and I'll be singing "I just can't stop"!
I dont know about you, but I believe every relationship in life should serve to strengthen you, not to weaken, to make more deposits than withdrawals. Be it family, friends or relatives, even colleagues at work or school, every relationship should add value. Anyone who devalues you is abusing you.Yes. The same applies to how you treat others too: you should strive to add value to everyone in your life.This especially applies to people in a romantic relationship. I mean, how can one fly higher in life if those closest to them are pulling them down?
Fact is, the greatest kind of chemistry for a romantic relationship is the chemistry of strength and purpose. It forms bonds that the storms of life cannot break.When two people who believe the same thing, and are going the same place in life meet, the feelings just regenerate themselves when the initial spark seems to die down,for their lives are focused on something beyond them.
There are so many obstacles in life which need to be surmounted and if you or I are going to form an alliance with anyone, he/she must be able to make your 'good' 'better'...
Anything less is stress.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Why can't we all just get along?
I have been keenly following the news on the political events in my country and I am appalled by the 'Russian Roulette' our leaders are playing with the nation.
To begin with, our country has enough political commentators (Heck, you can walk on the street and anyone, i mean anyone, can pull a Mutahi Ngunyi on you!)
I AM NOT ONE.
So, I will not sit to analyze and judge the Prime Minister's or the President's actions and reactions over the past week... That is not my place. They both carry a burden that few can bear and I honour them for that.That being said let me chew a few words with you.
In Principle, I agree with the Prime Minister's move in suspending the two Ministers. Whether they are culpable or not is inconsequential: fact is, the positions they hold as ministers should be above reproach and any allegation that is serious enough to be documented, in terms of a forensic audit report ,is worth stepping aside until the allegation is dealt with.That is the honourable way to run a public office.So, Hon Raila Odinga did the right thing, in principle.
Question is not in the 'why's' but in the 'how'.
A big 'no no' for the way the whole matter was played out...out in the open:on a Sunday afternoon,ON TV.The PM said that the dismissals was after consultation and does the needful.Hardly had we gasped for breath, than the President reverses the decision, on TV.The legal position is clear on who has the power to hire and fire: the Constitution, as the Supreme law of the land, had not been amended to include the current Power Sharing Agreement.So the President has that prerogative to do so, and in the spirit of national reconciliation,only after consulting the Prime Minister.
Like Parents, they should have made decisions in the bedroom, alone, rather than fighting before the neighbours on the verandah.Kenya is not Elparadiso in 'Storm over Paradise'. This is a country that is striving to be a nation.She does need the melodrama. Let the government function as one and be one. Why cant we just get along for the sake of the children?
Today,in my 'Conflicts, Peace and Security in East Africa' Class ,while examining the Power sharing model of Government in Africa,one thing stood clear: though it is cumbersome and expensive, and does not resolve the root cause of the conflict, THE PEACE AND STABILITY THAT RESULTS FROM IT IS WORTH IT ALL.
IT IS WORTH IT ALL to consult, in the case of the Prime Minister
IT IS WORTH IT ALL to endorse, in the case of the President
We do not need any more mediation when humility could save the day.
Now, that the Parents have began to quarrel, as 'the children', lets purpose to get along with each other and let them resolve their issues alone. We do not need to take sides and get into fist fights. NO.They can solve this.
I believe they WILL resolve this.
And above all, lets keep on praying for our great country, and work toward nation building.We owe this to the future generations.
Shalom.
To begin with, our country has enough political commentators (Heck, you can walk on the street and anyone, i mean anyone, can pull a Mutahi Ngunyi on you!)
I AM NOT ONE.
So, I will not sit to analyze and judge the Prime Minister's or the President's actions and reactions over the past week... That is not my place. They both carry a burden that few can bear and I honour them for that.That being said let me chew a few words with you.
In Principle, I agree with the Prime Minister's move in suspending the two Ministers. Whether they are culpable or not is inconsequential: fact is, the positions they hold as ministers should be above reproach and any allegation that is serious enough to be documented, in terms of a forensic audit report ,is worth stepping aside until the allegation is dealt with.That is the honourable way to run a public office.So, Hon Raila Odinga did the right thing, in principle.
Question is not in the 'why's' but in the 'how'.
A big 'no no' for the way the whole matter was played out...out in the open:on a Sunday afternoon,ON TV.The PM said that the dismissals was after consultation and does the needful.Hardly had we gasped for breath, than the President reverses the decision, on TV.The legal position is clear on who has the power to hire and fire: the Constitution, as the Supreme law of the land, had not been amended to include the current Power Sharing Agreement.So the President has that prerogative to do so, and in the spirit of national reconciliation,only after consulting the Prime Minister.
Like Parents, they should have made decisions in the bedroom, alone, rather than fighting before the neighbours on the verandah.Kenya is not Elparadiso in 'Storm over Paradise'. This is a country that is striving to be a nation.She does need the melodrama. Let the government function as one and be one. Why cant we just get along for the sake of the children?
Today,in my 'Conflicts, Peace and Security in East Africa' Class ,while examining the Power sharing model of Government in Africa,one thing stood clear: though it is cumbersome and expensive, and does not resolve the root cause of the conflict, THE PEACE AND STABILITY THAT RESULTS FROM IT IS WORTH IT ALL.
IT IS WORTH IT ALL to consult, in the case of the Prime Minister
IT IS WORTH IT ALL to endorse, in the case of the President
We do not need any more mediation when humility could save the day.
Now, that the Parents have began to quarrel, as 'the children', lets purpose to get along with each other and let them resolve their issues alone. We do not need to take sides and get into fist fights. NO.They can solve this.
I believe they WILL resolve this.
And above all, lets keep on praying for our great country, and work toward nation building.We owe this to the future generations.
Shalom.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Let there be blog, and there was
Finally!
Thankyou LORD.
Hello world,
The journey of a thousand books begins with one blog, and today, this young Kenyan has taken his first step: joyed at the fissure releasing 'yalio moyoni' that has come up; afraid of what he will say but will still say it,(ha!); awed by a future so bright it hurts my eyes; amazed at the power at my fingertips! Oh well, what the heck, the world is for the brave and to hold back is to be trampled down. A toast to all the bloggers whom I have enjoyed sampling their stuff like Alkags and his complicated self, and the rest; and special mention to Diana Wangari Kiragu who took me seriously enough to show me how. You rock.
Now that that is done, lets get to work...
(I just love the 21st Century!)
Thankyou LORD.
Hello world,
The journey of a thousand books begins with one blog, and today, this young Kenyan has taken his first step: joyed at the fissure releasing 'yalio moyoni' that has come up; afraid of what he will say but will still say it,(ha!); awed by a future so bright it hurts my eyes; amazed at the power at my fingertips! Oh well, what the heck, the world is for the brave and to hold back is to be trampled down. A toast to all the bloggers whom I have enjoyed sampling their stuff like Alkags and his complicated self, and the rest; and special mention to Diana Wangari Kiragu who took me seriously enough to show me how. You rock.
Now that that is done, lets get to work...
(I just love the 21st Century!)
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